We sincerely hope your are well during these challenging times. We take the safety of our customers and staff seriously and we will take the following precautions till further notice: No physical interaction at any given point during drop off and pick up, drop off will be using the night drop box even during business hours, pickup will be via our secure lock boxes, and payments will be processed via a secure emailed payment link.
Should you have to enter our premises we require that you wear a face covering and observe the recommended 6ft. Drive European's expert service specialists are trained on every nuance of your European car and enjoy getting you back in the driver's seat completely satisfied- with your car and the special care we strive to provide to every customer, every time.
Should you have to enter our premises we require that you wear a face covering and observe the recommended 6ft. Drive European's expert service specialists are trained on every nuance of your European car and enjoy getting you back in the driver's seat completely satisfied- with your car and the special care we strive to provide to every customer, every time.
Services
For over 30 years in the Washington DC area, Drive European has specialized in the sale and service of European automobiles. Throughout our history we have received praise from customers and publications, who have consistently rated Drive European as one of the top European vehicle service destinations.
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with each hand-selected, certified, pre-owned vehicle that Drive European inspects rigorously and stands behind with a Drive European service warranty! If you're looking for a specific car let Drive European find it, certify it, and deliver it to you without any of the hassles associated with buying used!
We sincerely hope your are well during these challenging times. We take the safety of our customers and staff seriously and we will take the following precautions till further notice: No physical interaction at any given point during drop off and pick up, drop off will be using the night drop box even during business hours, pickup will be via our secure lock boxes, and payments will be processed via a secure emailed payment link.
Over the years we have developed special relationships built on trust, respect and most importantly a shared passion for cars. While you are here; we would like to share our passion with you! Please enjoy some cars that are a great source of joy to their owners; and a pleasure for us to service. Sam and the crew at Drive European run the most honest and ethical car repair facilities I have ever utilized in over 30 years of car servicing.
I apologize-You should never have to check after our work. This was an oversight on our part and I?ve addressed this with the technician who worked on your vehicle-you will not have this problem again. Thank you for giving us your feedback. The wipers were not removed during service and we verified that they were not touched by any of our staff members.
Reviews (28)
Kelly Adams
Feb 02, 2022
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Got some suspension work done here as well as my bypass valve replaced. These guys really do top notch work. Their pre-service inspection is super detailed and even included photos. One of the techs even stayed late (on a Friday!) to make sure I got my car back before the last snow event we had. I will definitely be returning to get more work done in the future. A++
Leonard Rubin
Jan 20, 2022
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Iggy Landeros
Jan 04, 2022
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Fuel leak. They replaced my fuel line and while they were at it they also replaced my fuel pump. Very happy with the work. Super quick. Sam has a great shop and a heck of a tech in Fernando. Highly highly recommend. 10 stars.
Service:Â General repairs & maintenance
Fuel leak. They replaced my fuel line and while they were at it they also replaced my fuel pump. Very happy with the work. Super quick. Sam has a great shop and a heck of a tech in Fernando. Highly highly recommend. 10 stars.
Service:Â General repairs & maintenance
Shai Chu
Oct 22, 2021
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My check engine light turned on and I took it to Sam to get it checked. He was very patient and professional the whole process and he also had to handle coordinating with my external warranty policy. Definitely wasn't an easy task especially since it required taking the engine apart and finding, fixing the problem. I would definitely recommend bringing your car here.
William Hill
Oct 18, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Value
I have used Dive European for all service on my BMW 328xi for three years now. Switched from over-priced and under-responsive dealership. I get excellent overall service for a much more reasonable price. I especially like the email text and photo description of the work to be done and why it is needed.
Service:Â General repairs & maintenance
I have used Dive European for all service on my BMW 328xi for three years now. Switched from over-priced and under-responsive dealership. I get excellent overall service for a much more reasonable price. I especially like the email text and photo description of the work to be done and why it is needed.
Service:Â General repairs & maintenance
Katherine Freshley
Sep 30, 2021
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We’ve been taking our cars to Sam Dawood at Drive European for 20+ years. Sam provides excellent and personalized service, including searching for affordable or less expensive alternatives for an older vehicle. We trust Sam’s expertise and workmanship, and have never been disappointed. Plus Sam is a really nice person. We highly recommend this business.
John Charles
Jul 13, 2021
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Positive:Â Quality
My VW Passat wagon always sounds so good after service at Drive European. Sam took the time to explain to me that the leaves I had allowed to accumulate in the engine compartment risked serious system damage. I always learn something from him about my car!
Services: Oil change, Brakes
My VW Passat wagon always sounds so good after service at Drive European. Sam took the time to explain to me that the leaves I had allowed to accumulate in the engine compartment risked serious system damage. I always learn something from him about my car!
Services: Oil change, Brakes
Cameron Kenworthy
Apr 22, 2021
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Sam and his team have been servicing my family's cars and mine for over 5 years now. I have never been disappointed with their service. They put a lot of work into my suspension recently and they could have returned my car after a few days, however, Sam wasn't happy with the final product. He genuinely cared about how the car looked and drove to the point where they went back to square one. To see someone care about your car as much as you do is refreshing. Drive European isn't cheap, but it is a better value then getting work done at the dealership. I highly recommend.
Mami M.
Apr 02, 2021
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My 2001 Porsche Boxster is still running great, thanks to Sam and his team. I always have confidence in the work they have done on the car, and they have kept the car running smoothly with very reasonable pricing. Sam is honest, friendly, and it is obvious he takes great pride in the work they do and the client relationships he fosters. I highly recommend Drive European!
Allan Sprecher
Mar 15, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
Looking for a good mechanic when you move to a new area can be daunting. Luckily I found one. I appreciate Sam's advice that saved me money, and the mechanics taking care of my 1999 BMW 528iT, did a great job. Reasonably priced and work done in a timely matter. Very Happy! Thank You!
Services: Oil change, Engine repair, General repairs & maintenance
Looking for a good mechanic when you move to a new area can be daunting. Luckily I found one. I appreciate Sam's advice that saved me money, and the mechanics taking care of my 1999 BMW 528iT, did a great job. Reasonably priced and work done in a timely matter. Very Happy! Thank You!
Services: Oil change, Engine repair, General repairs & maintenance
David Painter
Dec 29, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Value
This is the best auto repair shop in the DC metro area. Sam has been working on my cars since 1990, when he was head mechanic and the shop was in Arlington and called Imported Car Service. I have always been impressed with the care and service Sam and his team provide. I go to Drive European for all my auto needs.
Services: Tuning, Steering / Suspension, Air conditioning, Oil change, Air & Cabin Filter, Brakes, Wheel alignment, Electrical, Battery, Transmission, Tires, Check engine light diagnostic, Engine repair, Electrical
This is the best auto repair shop in the DC metro area. Sam has been working on my cars since 1990, when he was head mechanic and the shop was in Arlington and called Imported Car Service. I have always been impressed with the care and service Sam and his team provide. I go to Drive European for all my auto needs.
Services: Tuning, Steering / Suspension, Air conditioning, Oil change, Air & Cabin Filter, Brakes, Wheel alignment, Electrical, Battery, Transmission, Tires, Check engine light diagnostic, Engine repair, Electrical
Josh C.
Mar 27, 2020
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Sam and the team saved me about $800 by being honest and telling me that my water pump was likely still covered by the dealership. I'm super appreciative and glad they're now helping me with my 2nd car. They've always be been honest, upfront, and clear in their communication. I look forward to working with them in the future if I have any car troubles.
G. H.
Feb 14, 2020
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Drive European. Five stars. Sam and his team did an excellent job on my non-European 20 year old Lexus. He provided a competetive and thorough quote, executed the service in a timely fashion providing regular updates throughout the process. The workmanship was excellent and the vehicle runs like new. Trust is hard to come by in car repair. I trust Sam. Highly recommend drive European.
Mary F.
Feb 05, 2020
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I have been going to Drive European since moving to the DC area in 2002. If you want an honest shop that will tell you exactly your issues and cost upfront this is the shop to go to!. I have had a Volkswagen, Infiniti and several Mercedes serviced by Sam and his team and have never been steered wrong. I have been so impressed with Sam and his team's work that when my parents came to visit recently from Georgia and they wanted a simple oil change before heading back home, I immediately called up Sam and not only did they do an oil change at cost but also did a full diagnostic check-up on the
George F.
Jan 10, 2020
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Richard J.
Dec 13, 2018
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I was introduced to Drive European when a local repair shop wasn't able to handle replacing an airbag on my Porsche Boxster. They suggested I go to a Porsche dealer, and indicated I should expect to pay around $2,000. After looking through Angie's list, I decided to see if I could get a lower quote from Drive European, which Angie rated highly. Well, I did. Their quote was $20, explaining the only thing wrong was a defective sensor. That kind of honesty made me become a customer, and the high quality of their service and reasonable pricing has made me stay a customer. Sam and his team
Dany A.
Sep 08, 2018
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Susan M.
Mar 08, 2018
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I highly recommend Drive European. I've brought two of my BMW to them in the last 10 years for problems that no one else could properly diagnose. Not only do they get to the root of the problem, they do the repairs for far less then any dealership would have charged. I will always trust my cars to Drive European for their honesty, excellent customer service and quality of the repairs that they do.
Amira E.
Mar 08, 2018
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I have found true love with Drive European, after many disheartening and frustrating experiences with other Virginia and DC-based auto repair and maintenance shops! WOW. Sam and his team prove, with every encounter, that we can expect and receive honest, high-quality and speedy customer service and car work. THANK YOU, SAM! I'm a customer for life and I highly recommend Drive European to everyone looking for a trusted partner in taking care of your car.
Ana B.
Nov 29, 2017
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You're first thought when you see a 5.0 rating is: they must have had a promotion or something...no way they earned 5 stars. I'm here to let you know that I could give them 10 stars BY GOLLY I would! From my initial conversation down to the signing of the receipt, I had an immaculate experience!
I was immediately impressed with their website. That's your first impression and they had me intrigued. I called and Bee informed me they would get back to me the next day. I missed their call but he emailed me the detailed quote. Their price was SUBSTANTIALLY less than their competitors
I was immediately impressed with their website. That's your first impression and they had me intrigued. I called and Bee informed me they would get back to me the next day. I missed their call but he emailed me the detailed quote. Their price was SUBSTANTIALLY less than their competitors
Yan W.
Aug 26, 2017
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Would you believe me if I told you I found an honest, reputable, car service shop? Well, start watching those pig fly, because here it is. I've been impressed with the honestly, and quality of service every single time I've been here.
Sam, the owner, is a super businessman. He knows your car and takes the time to explain what's going on (if anything is wrong at all) and your options. Sometimes, he'll explain that nothing is wrong (or if it's something super minor) and he will send you home. That's it. No upcharge, no fake fixes, nada. He ain't got time for
Sam, the owner, is a super businessman. He knows your car and takes the time to explain what's going on (if anything is wrong at all) and your options. Sometimes, he'll explain that nothing is wrong (or if it's something super minor) and he will send you home. That's it. No upcharge, no fake fixes, nada. He ain't got time for
J. O.
Jan 09, 2017
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Brought my car in after test driving the car w a perspective buyer for a ppi. The perspective buyer drove the car for 30 minutes and agreed to purchase the car after pre purchase inspection. We come in the shop and immediately after handing over the keys the car disappear for 10 minutes and he escorts to my car and say my radiator blew up and it's very common and unfortunate that it happened while he's doing the ppi. He goes on to tell me other things that needs to be done to the car and I FaceTime my mechanic who is a master tech at Bmw of Alexandria and showed him the problem. The owner
Patty L.
Jun 14, 2016
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Sam and Mike and the service team have gone above and beyond expectations. I have an old Mercedes SL500 that needs a good bit of service now that it is old. I go to Drive European for routine maintenance (such as oil changes) as well as for big jobs such as brakes, soft-top hydraulics replacement, and A/C replacement. Even though they're not as conveniently located as the dealership in Arlington, I still do business with them because they are so one-on-one personable and professional. If they need to car overnight or even for a few hours, Mike drops me off at Metro station and picks me up
Raj N.
Mar 07, 2014
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We have serviced our BMW 5 Series here twice to date and I will certainly plan to use them again for all future work on the car. They are not only cheaper than the local dealers for the equivalent work but Sam and his team have a great deal of knowledge about the cars--I would say on par with the dealers.
Great service and an honest business--hard to find these days!
Great service and an honest business--hard to find these days!
Alison L.
Feb 27, 2014
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Yelp helped me select my next auto mechanic. I used to use Swedish Motors, but after their management overhaul/merger (or whatever they did), they weren't the same.
The first impression begins with the person who answers the phone. I called up Drive European and had a few questions - I had an engine service light on, needed an oil change, and worst of all, had to get a flat changed. All simple items- what was the price going to be? Reasonable! And they have night drop off- huge plus.
When I dropped off my car, I ran into a guy picking up his car. I asked him what he thought of the place
The first impression begins with the person who answers the phone. I called up Drive European and had a few questions - I had an engine service light on, needed an oil change, and worst of all, had to get a flat changed. All simple items- what was the price going to be? Reasonable! And they have night drop off- huge plus.
When I dropped off my car, I ran into a guy picking up his car. I asked him what he thought of the place
J. P. A.
Feb 20, 2011
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The best service and automotive knowledge money can buy in this area period. Of course that is if you only drive an import.
I have been a client of Drive European for ... as long as I've owned a car! Sam and his crew have always take great care of me and my cars, never ever did I have to take my car back for same problem. They always get it right on the first try.
The only negative is getting in right away sometimes they are so busy you'll have to wait a couple of days. I guess that's not always a bad thing huh!
I have been a client of Drive European for ... as long as I've owned a car! Sam and his crew have always take great care of me and my cars, never ever did I have to take my car back for same problem. They always get it right on the first try.
The only negative is getting in right away sometimes they are so busy you'll have to wait a couple of days. I guess that's not always a bad thing huh!
Robert B.
Nov 11, 2009
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These guys are excellent. The customer service was very friendly and straightforward. I had a persistent electrical problem on my 2001 Golf TDI. - it kept blowing a 10 amp fuse every time I opened the trunk. Justin the mechanic found a short circuit due to chafed wiring in the wiring harness associated with the hatchback door. He worked on the problem for 1.5 hours but only charged for one hour. I was not charged for any parts (insulating tape). They gave me a ride to the Metro when I dropped of the car, this was a major help. Highly recommended.
I discovered them on YELP after reading some astonishingly
I discovered them on YELP after reading some astonishingly
A. A.
Aug 09, 2009
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I was referred to Drive European by word of mouth and I'm so excited to finally have come across a shop for my Mini Cooper that is ethical, honest, and has a high level of customer service.
I usually deal with Sam (the owner), but if also worked with a few others on the staff and everybody gives 100% customer service and quality on the service they deliver.
I think what I like most about this place is that they always seem sincere an I've never felt like I am being ripped off. They are honest and run the shop with high integrity.
I usually deal with Sam (the owner), but if also worked with a few others on the staff and everybody gives 100% customer service and quality on the service they deliver.
I think what I like most about this place is that they always seem sincere an I've never felt like I am being ripped off. They are honest and run the shop with high integrity.
